The new PVM2000-MB mandrel bend monitor provides dynamic in-process monitoring of the bending process to detect excessive tension or compression on the mandrel rod that can lead to excess wear or equipment damage.

Detection of excessive pull force on the mandrel rod during the bend cycle indicates process variation that could lead to mandrel failure and quality issues.  This can result from loss of lubrication, weld seam imperfections, galling of the mandrel, wiper die wear, or the mandrel position out of adjustment.  The system will also detect excessive compression force during mandrel advance to prevent bending the mandrel rod if there is an insertion jam.

“The initial design of this system was for detection of mandrel failure that can leave a mandrel ball undetected in a piece of tubing.  The new PVM2000-MB goes well beyond that capability by detecting a variety of process variations that can lead to equipment problems.” says Michael Reeve, VP of Market Development for OES.  “Users of the Mandrel Bend Monitor find that it makes them aware of potential problems before they occur.  The system helps protect tooling, reduces downtime, assists with set-up verification, and it enhances error proofing the bend process by isolating product if excess tension breaks a mandrel link.”

The PVM2000-MB Mandrel Bend Monitor provides two levels of alert to process variations, and offers both audible and visual alarm options to indicate fault conditions to the machine operator.  Integrating the Fail output to machine control can stop the bend cycle before damage occurs.  The system features a user-friendly touch screen Operator Interface for monitoring, configuration and threshold adjustment.  With the BendView companion software each bend in a production run can be logged onto a computer for analysis and traceability.

OES is an experienced leader with in-process quality monitoring technologies, having celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2005.  OES Inc. develops and deploys many extremely effective “in-process test and monitoring” solutions for a wide range of applications, including wire crimping, tube end-forming, crimp forming, riveting, and other pressing and forming applications.